Saudi Arabia to open first movie theatre on April 18

Saudi Arabia is all set to open first cinema hall after more than 35 years in April and according to reports the first movie that is scheduled to screen is recent Marvel release 'Black Panther'.

News agency Reuters reported citing Riyadh authorities that theatre will open on April 18 in the King Abdulla Financial district, Riyadh.

The building in which the theatre will open was originally built to be a symphony concert hall.

In 2017 as part of their new reforms to boost the economy and reduce its dependence on oil pushed by Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on cinema halls.

Though the country had cinemas around the 1970s but it was subsequently closed down.

Unlike other public places in Saudi Arabia, the theatre will not be segregated by gender. The main theatre will have the seating arrangement for 500 people. It will also have orchestra and balcony levels.

Three more screens are expected to be added by the mid-year.
 
Chief Executive Adam Aron of AMC Entertainment Holdings said "we think it's going to be the prettiest movie theatre in the world," adding "It's a dramatic building," Reuters reported.

John Fithian, president of the US-based National Association of Theatre Owners said that "he met government officials in Riyadh in December to work out issues such as what type of material would be permitted on movie screens," Reuters reported.

"He believes most Hollywood movies will be allowed, though some will require editing," he added. 

According to reports Saudi Arabia has planned to set up around 350 cinemas with over 2,500 screens by 2030 in hope to attract $1 billion through annual ticket sales.